UnionsWA backs asbestos compo review

UNIONS have welcomed a West Australian government move to widen the ability of victims of asbestos-related illnesses and injuries to seek further compensation.

Attorney-General Michael Mischin announced on Saturday he had asked the state's Law Reform Commission to launch an inquiry into compensation for asbestos victims, including whether or not the "once and for all ruler" applied to personal injury claims should remain.

This would mean if a victim develops an injury or disease that differs or is more serious than the one they have already received compensation for, a court may be able to award further damages in some circumstances.

"At present a victim of, for example, asbestosis who settled a compensation claim many years ago, cannot return to the court if another asbestos related disease such as mesothelioma subsequently results in care and other needs as a result of asbestos exposure," she said.

"WA's laws are well below the standard of those elsewhere.

"WA had a long and highly profitable history of asbestos mining that has left us with many suffering workers and their families."

But Ms Hammat said the WA government had recently failed to support a private member's bill that would have made the compensation process fairer.

"More years of indecision by government will mean victims will die while they and their families go without care needs being properly met," she said.

The WA Law Reform Commission will report back to Mr Mischin by June 30 next year.